Tim Sherwood has lauded Nabil Bentaleb for how well the midfielder has adapted to life in the Tottenham Hotspur first team.

Bentaleb's emergence at the club coincides with Sherwood taking charge, with the coach handing the 19-year-old his debut in the 3-2 win over Southampton in December.

The France-born starlet has since earned back-to-back starting berths for the Lilywhites in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal last week and Saturday's win over Crystal Palace by the same scoreline, and the 44-year-old is enthused by what he has seen from the youngster thus far.

"I think he's been great," he told reporters. "Like I said, when he came on against Southampton, I was sure about him but you never know until you put them on the stage.

"It shows that he's unfazed and, for me, his performances are growing from week to week. He's performing very, very well.

"I know Bentaleb, I know what he possesses. He trains like every day is the last day in the world and that's a great trait to have for a young kid."

Spurs, who sit fifth in the Premier League table, travel to Wales for a clash with Swansea City next weekend.